Dear Sabrina,
I love you. Will you marry me?......... O well Ill try to help then.
The above mentioned simulator idea is without dout the best idea for new modelers. You can pick up a Real Flight lite version for $129, later you can get fancy add ons.
Even with a sim., DONT go it alone, modelers are the greatest most helpfull people in the world, find them, youll like them.
The only other option would be to get a park flyer to go it alone and that would be no fun at all, wont even remotely compare to the experience of model aircraft flying.
The LT40 really is a great machine to learn to fly with.
Eveyone has different opinions about how to get started, myself, Im an advocate of building the 1st plane, its designed to be easy, terms used only in regards to aircraft are expained and detailed with trainer kits, the next plane built wont likely be as detailed in instruction.
When he has misshaps, hell be well equipt with knowledge and tools to get flying again without having to send his plane home with someone else.
I built my 1st plane, learned to fly on a buddy cord without major incidence. I never broke anything I wasnt able to fix on the tailgate of my truck and fly again the same day.
I wish you the best, let us know how your endeavor goes.
Good luck and have fun!!!!!!